Blending filmmaking and fiction: Neil Laird is a veteran documentary filmmaker and television executive who rediscovered a new creative spark in midlife through writing fiction.

In this episode Neil shares his journey from a small steel town in Pennsylvania to directing documentaries for the Discovery Channel and National Geographic, and eventually finding the courage to self-publish his own novels at the age of 50.

Inspired by the fearless reinvention of David Bowie, Neil discusses the transition from the 'tedious' corporate side of television back to the joy of making things up.

He delves into his Prime Time Travelers series of novels, which blends his deep knowledge of ancient history with satirical takes on the chaos of TV production, and offers inspiring advice for adults looking to reignite their own passions: stop waiting for the stars to align, don't be afraid of the first 'rubbish' draft, and surround yourself with cheerleaders rather than naysayers.

• Finding Inspiration in the Unexpected: Neil recounts how a period of unemployment led him to the New York Public Library, where a chance encounter with a book on ancient history completely shifted his creative trajectory and led to his first documentary on the Great Sphinx.
• The Midlife Creative Shift: Turning 50 served as a catalyst for Neil to explore fiction. Inspired by the fearless innovation of David Bowie, he decided to move beyond the constraints of documentary filmmaking to imagine historical worlds with a fresh coat of paint.
• Blending Expertise with Satire: After struggling to find an agent for a traditional historical novel, Neil found his unique voice by blending his professional background with fiction in his Prime Time Travelers series – a satirical look at a film crew messing up history.
• The Power of Creative Independence: Neil discusses his decision to self-publish, allowing him to maintain creative control over his characters and storylines, including diverse and LGBTQ+ representation that might have been lost in traditional publishing.
• Advice for Aspiring Creatives: Neil emphasises the importance of starting now, surrounding yourself with cheerleaders rather than naysayers, and not being afraid of the inevitable first draft being a load of rubbish.

I would love some financial support to help me to keep making this podcast. Visit buymeacoffee.com/creativityfound

Support the show

Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

Want to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, here

Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Monica Marlatt is a Toronto-based puzzle influencer who rediscovered her love for jigsaw puzzles while navigating the challenges of the empty-nest stage.

In this episode Monica shares how she transformed a solo, traditional hobby into a vibrant creative practice by mastering stop-motion animation, hosting location shoots across her city, and even launching puzzle-themed cruises with Royal Caribbean.

The conversation explores the importance of lifelong learning, the global speed puzzling phenomenon, and practical advice for adults looking to fill the void after their children leave home.

• Preparing for Life Transitions: Monica discusses the unexpected emotional toll of the empty-nest stage and the importance of proactively finding new interests to fill the space left by growing children.
• Innovating a Traditional Hobby: By embracing technology, Monica uses stop-motion reels and location shoots across Toronto to present jigsaw puzzles in creative, artistic ways, building a following of over 17,000 people.
• Lifelong Learning and Social Connection: The episode highlights how engaging in creative pursuits in adulthood provides essential mental stimulation and social interaction, whether through global speed-puzzling competitions or online communities.
• The 'Boutique' Puzzle Movement: Discover the shift from mass-produced puzzles to high-quality, artist-led boutique brands that offer diverse textures and materials like wood, cork, and acrylic.
• Advice for Finding Your Passion: Monica encourages listeners to experiment with different hobbies without the pressure of perfection or perseverance. Trying something new provides valuable life experiences and conversational starting points, even if it doesn't become a long-term commitment.

I would love some financial support to help me to keep making this podcast. Visit buymeacoffee.com/creativityfound

Support the show

Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

Want to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, here

Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

How coloured pencils changed Bonny's life.

World-renowned artist and teacher Bonny Snowdon shares how a stressful period in her life and a gift of coloured pencils from her daughter led to a profound creative awakening that helped her manage anxiety and navigate personal challenges.

We explore Bonny’s horse-mad childhood in North Yorkshire, her early experiences in the advertising and graphic design industries, a challenging '360' management review and her transition into executive coaching. Bonny discusses the 'leap of faith' required to turn her artistic passion into a thriving business, including the launch of the Bonny Snowdon Academy.

We discuss the importance of self-belief, Bonny offers insight into her restorative daily rituals involving journalling and sketching, and provides encouraging advice for anyone looking to start their own creative journey.

In this episode:

• The role of creativity in Bonny’s childhood and her early love of horses.
• Navigating the shift from traditional graphic design to managerial roles.
• How coloured pencils provided a meditative escape during difficult times.
• The transition from executive coach to full-time professional artist.
• Building a successful creative membership and online academy.
• The importance of daily journalling and sketching for mental wellbeing.
• Practical advice for beginners: starting small and embracing the learning curve – don't be afraid to produce 'rubbish' work while you learn.

You might also like:

Blossoming in Art with Bianca Giarola

Medicine to Masterpieces with Dr Vasu Tolia

The Listening Eye with Ashton Rodenhiser

I would love some financial support to help me to keep making this podcast. Visit buymeacoffee.com/creativityfound

Support the show

Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

Want to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, here

Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout